http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/fossil_fuels/ Fossil Fuels. Read the latest scientific research on coal, gasoline, natural gas and diesel fuel, including fossil fuel processing. Full-text, images, free. en-us Mon, 12 May 2008 09:05:01 EDT Mon, 12 May 2008 09:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/fossil_fuels/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508115822.htm The newest version of the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy use in Transportation model will provide researchers with even more tools to evaluate and compare the environmental impacts of new transportation fuels and advanced vehicle technologies. The newest update released May 9 will allow scientists to model combustion of ethanol produced from Brazilian sugarcane and used by U.S. automobiles; production and use of bio-butanol as a potential transportation fuel; and production and use of biodiesel and renewable diesel via hydrogenation, coal/biomass co-feeding for Fischer-Tropsch diesel production and various corn ethanol plant types with different process fuels. Sat, 10 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508115822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505120710.htm Methanol fuel cells are an efficient and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, but they are still not economically viable. Now, a research chemist has developed new materials that enable the manufacture of cheaper and more efficient methanol fuel cells. Tue, 06 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505120710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080430152025.htm The USGS recently collected new information to aid in resource and hazards assessments of Afghanistan. This survey presents valuable new information to policymakers, potential private investors, and the public in that the data will help identify fault lines and the potential location of undiscovered water, oil and gas, and non-fuel mineral resources in Afghanistan. Data was acquired from an airborne geophysical and photographic survey of the country. Fri, 02 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080430152025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501093520.htm In a "major step" toward a practical energy source for powering tomorrow's nanomachines, researchers report developing a new generation of sub-microscopic nanomotors that are up to 10 times more powerful than existing motors. The tiny motors, made of platinum and gold nanowires, are supercharged with carbon nanotubes. Go Speed Racer, go! Thu, 01 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501093520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080425163711.htm Engineering researchers report that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that fuel global warming, but the benefits are highly dependent on how the electricity system changes in the coming decades. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080425163711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080421123120.htm After powering the micro-electronics revolution, silicon could carve out an important new role in speeding the debut of ultra-clean fuel cell vehicles powered by hydrogen, researchers in China suggest. Their calculations show for the first time that silicon nanotubes can store hydrogen more efficiently than their carbon nanotube counterparts. Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080421123120.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417173953.htm It is easy to overlook that most of the energy we consume daily, such as electricity or natural gas, is produced with the help of a dwindling resource -- fresh water. Scientists are researching the water-efficiency of some of the most common energy sources and power generating methods. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417173953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080418090427.htm Two great obstacles to hydrogen-powered vehicles lie with fuel cells. Fuel cells, which like batteries produce electrical power through chemical reactions, have been plagued by their relatively low efficiency and high production costs. Scientists have tested a wide assortment of metals and materials to overcome the twin challenge. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080418090427.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417105446.htm Creating an improved aerodynamic shape for truck trailers by mounting sideskirts can lead to a cut in fuel consumption and emissions of up to as much as 15%. Earlier promising predictions, based on mathematical models and wind tunnel tests have been confirmed during road tests with an adapted trailer. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417105446.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080414115101.htm Advanced gas reactors offer more efficient operation, less waste disposal and other benefits over water-cooled reactor designs used in U.S. nuclear power plants. But creating fuel that burns efficiently and reliably in the higher temperatures of advanced gas reactors has been a challenge -- until now. Fuel fabricated at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in cooperation with Idaho National Laboratory and the Babcock & Wilcox Company, has demonstrated the most successful performance ever for U.S. advanced gas reactor fuel. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080414115101.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407172717.htm Despite oil prices that hover around $100 a barrel, it may take at least 10 or more years of intensive research to reduce the cost of solar energy to levels competitive with petroleum, according to a leading expert on the topic. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407172717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409170347.htm Sugar-powered cars may be in your future. Chemists report development of a "revolutionary" process for converting plant sugars into hydrogen, which could be used to cheaply and efficiently power vehicles equipped with hydrogen fuel cells without producing any pollutants. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409170347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402100010.htm One of the key engineering challenges to building a clean, efficient, hydrogen-powered car is how to design the fuel tank. Storing enough raw hydrogen for a reasonable driving range would require either impractically high pressures for gaseous hydrogen or extremely low temperatures for liquid hydrogen. A novel class of materials potentially could enable a practical hydrogen fuel tank for cars. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402100010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401141539.htm As gas prices continue to soar to record highs, motorists are crying out for an alternative that won't cramp their pocketbooks. Scientists are answering that call by working to chemically manipulate algae for production of the next generation of renewable fuels -- hydrogen gas. Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401141539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080331122552.htm Could combustion without flames be used to build industrial gas turbines for power generation that are much more efficient than current models and produce almost no polluting emissions? Researchers in the Middle East now provide a possible answer in the International Journal of the Environment and Pollution. Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080331122552.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080328114403.htm Researchers are developing a portable, hydrogen-generating power system to power everything from laptops to communications gear for soldiers in the battlefield. The system transforms jet fuel into hydrogen and will relive soldiers from having to carry heavy loads of batteries. Individual soldiers carry between 20 to 40 pounds of batteries on standard four-day missions. The batteries power soldiers' personal portable electronics, such as GPS systems and night-vision goggles. Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080328114403.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080319133704.htm A new type of membrane based on tiny iron particles appears to address one of the major limitations exhibited by current power-generating fuel cell technology. While there are many types of fuel cells, in general they generate electricity as the result of chemical reactions between an external fuel -- most commonly hydrogen -- and an agent that reacts with it. The membrane that separates the two parts of the cell and facilitates the reaction is a key factor in determining the efficiency of the cell. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080319133704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080319104308.htm A public-private effort to develop technologies for more fuel-efficient automobiles and to investigate the feasibility of hydrogen-based vehicles has made significant progress in most research areas, says a new report. Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080319104308.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080317113734.htm With oil prices hovering around $100 per barrel, coal is reemerging as a key raw material in the manufacture of the basic chemical materials used to make plastics, fertilizers, and hundreds of other products, according to an article in Chemical & Engineering News. Wed, 19 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080317113734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310143531.htm The research to improve the performance of coated-particle nuclear fuel met an important milestone by reaching a burnup of 9 percent without any fuel failure. The research is key in supporting reactor licensing and operation for high-temperature reactors such as the Next Generation Nuclear Plant and similar reactors envisioned for subsequent commercial energy production. Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310143531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080307191300.htm Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed a low-risk, transformational concept, called Green Freedom, for large-scale production of carbon-neutral, sulfur-free fuels and organic chemicals from air and water. At the heart of the technology is a new process for extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and making it available for fuel production using a new form of electrochemical separation. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080307191300.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304100413.htm Nuclear energy must increase by more than 10% each year from 2010 to 2050 to meet all future energy demands and replace fossil fuels, but this is an unsustainable prospect. According to a new report such a large growth rate will require a major improvement in nuclear power efficiency otherwise each new power plant will simply cannibalize the energy produced by earlier nuclear power plants. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304100413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080222101535.htm Standard microscopy and visible light imaging techniques cannot peer into the dark and murky centers of dense-liquid jets, which has hindered scientists in their quest for a full understanding of liquid breakup in devices such as automobile fuel injectors. Scientists have now developed a technique to peer through high-speed dense liquids using high-energy X-rays from Argonne's Advanced Photon Source. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080222101535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225090826.htm In a finding that could help ease concerns about the potential environmental impact of manufacturing solar cells, scientists report that the manufacture of solar cells produces far fewer air pollutants than conventional fossil fuel technologies. Solar energy has been touted for years as a safer, cleaner alternative to burning fossil fuels to meet rising energy demands. However, environmentalists and others are increasingly concerned about the potential negative impact of solar cell (photovoltaic) technology. Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225090826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080215135731.htm With demand for electricity expected to double by 2050 and renewable resources still years away from offsetting increased demand, it is clear -- coal is here to stay. But can "dirty" coal be used cleanly? The answer may be a resounding yes if gasification becomes common place. Mon, 18 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080215135731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080215135701.htm The recent boom in production of ethanol from corn grain has tightly linked the agriculture and energy sectors in an unprecedented fashion. Researchers have now developed a model, based on a range of possible oil prices, that predicts impacts of federal economic policies on future consumer and government costs, ethanol production and many other aspects of the two sectors. Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080215135701.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080211134444.htm Researchers have developed a strategy to capture, store and eventually recycle carbon from vehicles. They envision a zero emission car, and a transportation system completely free of fossil fuels. Little research has been done to explore carbon capture from vehicles, but now a team of scientists outline an economically feasible strategy for processing fossil or synthetic, carbon-containing liquid fuels that allows for the capture and recycling of carbon at the point of emission. Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080211134444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080207094314.htm Hybrid electric vehicles are no more than a stop-gap until more sustainable technology is developed according to researchers. Analysts suggest that the adoption of hybrids might even slow development of more sustainable fuel-cell powered electric vehicles. Most manufacturers are rapidly integrating hybrid electric vehicles into their technology portfolio, despite the absence of significant profitability. Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080207094314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204094459.htm Scientists have developed a chemical process that turns green waste into a stable bio-crude oil. The bio-crude oil can be used to produce high value chemicals and biofuels, including both petrol and diesel replacement fuels. Mon, 04 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204094459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080121101027.htm In a major advance in alternative fuel technology, researchers report development of a sponge-like material with the highest methane storage capacity ever measured. It can hold almost one-third more methane than the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) target level for methane-powered cars, they report in a new study. Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080121101027.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080118093341.htm The odometer of a low emission hybrid electric test vehicle recently reached 100,000 miles as the car circled a track in the UK using the power of an advanced CSIRO battery system. The UltraBattery combines a supercapacitor and a lead acid battery in a single unit, creating a hybrid car battery that lasts longer, costs less and is more powerful than current technologies used in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080118093341.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080116164246.htm Two of the first hybrid school buses in the US hit the road this month. The buses use an electric motor at street speeds; their V-8 diesel engines kick in at higher speeds. Researchers will study and evaluate the buses' performance over three years. Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080116164246.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080106202952.htm Researchers have developed a new method for producing next-generation biofuels by genetically modifying Escherichia coli bacteria to be an efficient biofuel synthesizer. The method could lead to mass production of these biofuels. The research team modified key pathways in E. coli to produce several higher-chain alcohols from glucose, a renewable carbon source. Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080106202952.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071220230827.htm Chemical engineering researchers have investigated supercritical methanol as a method of converting chicken fat into biodiesel fuel. The new study also successfully converted tall oil fatty acid, a major by-product of the wood-pulping process, into biodiesel at a yield of greater than 90 percent, significantly advancing efforts to develop commercially viable fuel out of plentiful, accessible and low-cost feedstocks and other agricultural by-products. Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071220230827.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071220152427.htm A biology professor's fascination with seafloor microbes has led to the development of a revolutionary, low-cost power system consuming garbage, compost, and other waste that could provide light for the developing world. He has developed a fuel cell run by the natural activity of anaerobic microbes. The cells can be manufactured for just a few U.S. dollars, putting them within reach of many of the world's poor who today do not have access to electricity. Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071220152427.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071212201431.htm Crude oil in deposits around the world are naturally broken down by bacteria, resulting in methane production. The discovery could yield dramatic improvements in how fossil fuels are recovered and processed. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071212201431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071212202013.htm Advances in fuel desulfurization and reforming lead to a successful demonstration of a portable fuel cell system using JP-8 military jet fuel. Portable fuel cell power units are quieter, more efficient and have lower emissions than standard diesel generators, but are challenged when used with JP-8 fuel because of its sulfur content. The fuel desulfurization and reforming systems developed at PNNL reduce the sulfur content of JP-8 and generate a hydrogen stream compatible with an integrated fuel cell. Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071212202013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071213140335.htm Researchers have unveiled important details about a class of catalysts that could help improve the performance of fuel cells. With the goal of producing "clean" hydrogen for fuel cell reactions in mind, the researchers determined why two next-generation catalysts including gold, cerium, titanium, and oxygen nanomaterials exhibit very high activity. Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071213140335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071205122527.htm Mechanical engineers are using laser technology to develop advanced sensors capable of analyzing the combustion inside engines, power generators and heating systems. The sensors will be used to study -- and potentially improve -- the combustion of alternative fuels. Fri, 14 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071205122527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208150135.htm Using concentrated solar energy to reverse combustion, scientists are building a prototype device intended to chemically "reenergize" carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide using concentrated solar power. The carbon monoxide could then be used to make hydrogen or serve as a building block to synthesize a liquid combustible fuel, such as methanol or even gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208150135.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071207095100.htm Researchers have developed a laser system to investigate soot development in diesel engines. Small soot particles are not retained by a soot filter but are, however, more harmful than larger soot particles. Therefore, soot development needs to be tackled at the source. Laser Induced Incandescence is a technique that reveals exactly where soot is generated and can be used by project partners to develop cleaner diesel engines. Sat, 08 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071207095100.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071203120546.htm After grabbing headlines for years as the ultimate solution to world energy problems, the "hydrogen economy" has an emerging but lesser-known competitor called the "methanol economy," according to a new article. Methanol, an alcohol like ethanol, shows increasing promise as an alternative energy source with advantages over both ethanol and hydrogen. Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071203120546.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071203120753.htm Scientists are reporting development of a fuel cell that uses pollution from coal and metal mines to generate electricity, solving a serious environmental problem while providing a new source of energy. They describe successful tests of a laboratory-scale version of the device. Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071203120753.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071127101921.htm Researchers have a potential solution to the problem of large quantities of low value by-product generated in the synthesis of biodiesel -- by turning it into high value hydrogen. Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071127101921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071127101930.htm Using pure biodiesel or blending biodiesel with standard fuel could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector, according to a new report. Biodiesel can be manufactured from any product containing fatty acids, such as vegetable oil or animal fats. Fri, 30 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071127101930.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071128074931.htm A new type of fuel cell is powered with glucose derived from biomass. The experimental device works by using sunlight to convert the glucose into hydrogen to power the cell, which produces several hundred millivolts. Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071128074931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071119100338.htm Researchers are reporting the first successful "wiring up" of hydrogenase enzymes. Those much-heralded proteins are envisioned as stars in a future hydrogen economy where they may serve as catalysts for hydrogen production and oxidation in fuel cells. Their report describes a successful electrical connection between a carbon nanotube and hydrogenase. Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071119100338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071120104545.htm The Near Zero Emissions Coal Phase 1 study has been launched in Beijing, China. The aim is to look at the feasibility of building coal-fired power plants in China fitted with carbon dioxide capture and storage. Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071120104545.htm